The Ghost's Last Wish

The sky darkened as the sun dipped below the horizon. Ethan Collins sped through the city streets, his mind racing as fast as the car's engine. The day had been a whirlwind of chaos, starting with the unsettling accident and ending with a confrontation he had never imagined. But now, he was racing against time to reach a solution that could either save or doom him.

He had abandoned his car in a hurry, leaving behind the driver and the police to sort out the mess. The urgency had driven him to rush to Renji Temple, only to find it closed. With growing anxiety, he decided to head home, desperately needing to change his bloodied clothes and gather his thoughts. On the way, he called his friend, Jake Thompson, hoping for a place to stay for the night. Alone at home felt like a luxury he could not afford right now.

By the time he reached his apartment complex, night had fully settled in. Climbing the stairs to his fifth-floor unit, Ethan was startled to see a man standing at his door. The stranger looked to be in his early forties, dressed in expensive clothes that hinted at a life of comfort. Ethan's curiosity was piqued, and he approached cautiously.

"Mr. Collins?" the man asked, his voice heavy with sadness.

Ethan, taken aback, nodded slowly. "Yes, that's me. And you are?"

"I'm Peter Jiang," the man replied, a note of gravity in his tone. "I'm here about my daughter."

The mention of a daughter struck Ethan with unease. He recalled the accident vividly. His involvement had been minimal—he was merely a spectator who had stumbled into the aftermath. But now, this man seemed to be looking for more than just a statement.

Peter Jiang continued, seeing the confusion in Ethan's eyes. "My daughter was the one involved in the accident yesterday. Her name was Pei Xiaoxiao."

Ethan's heart sank. He had been dreading this moment, but the reality was worse than he had imagined. "I wasn't the one driving. I just happened to be there. How did you even find me?"

Peter Jiang's face was a mask of despair. "She appeared to me in a dream. She asked me to find you. She wants to be with you, even in death."

Ethan's mind reeled. A ghost seeking a spouse? The absurdity of it all was overwhelming. "Look, I don't know what you've been told, but I'm not interested in... this. I'm not even sure how this works. I'm just a normal guy trying to get through life."

Peter Jiang sighed deeply. "I understand your distress. But the truth is, my daughter's spirit is restless. She was engaged in a pursuit of a match when she died. As a result, her spirit is bound to this world until her wish is fulfilled."

Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. This was turning into a nightmare he never wanted to be part of. "So, what exactly are you suggesting?"

"The only way to resolve this," Peter Jiang explained, "is to perform a ghost marriage. It's a traditional ritual to ensure that her spirit can move on peacefully. We can have a symbolic ceremony where you will marry her spirit in a manner of speaking. It's a formal closure for her."

Ethan's anxiety spiked. "A ghost marriage? I've heard of it, but I didn't think it was real. Is there no other way?"

Peter Jiang shook his head. "There's no alternative. If we don't follow through, her spirit will continue to haunt you and anyone else she can find, leading to a lifetime of trouble."

Desperation clouded Ethan's judgment as he considered his options. He needed to act quickly to escape this haunting presence. "And what's in it for me?"

Peter Jiang's eyes hardened with resolve. "If you agree, I will compensate you well. Fifty thousand dollars for your cooperation—twenty thousand now and the rest upon completion."

The offer was tempting, especially given Ethan's current financial situation. It was a chance to secure some stability and resolve a bizarre predicament. "Alright, I'll do it. But I need to understand exactly what this involves."

Peter Jiang's face softened with relief. "It's a straightforward process. We will conduct a traditional Chinese ceremony, which involves symbolic elements. You'll be part of it to ensure she can find peace. There's no need for any real legal formalities."

Ethan nodded, albeit with lingering doubts. Peter Jiang quickly arranged the financial transaction, and within moments, Ethan received a significant deposit in his account. The reality of the situation hit him hard, but the promise of financial relief was a powerful motivator.

In a sleek luxury SUV, Ethan and Peter Jiang made their way to the Pei family's upscale villa. The drive was swift, and Ethan's thoughts raced as he tried to come to terms with what lay ahead.

Upon arrival, the villa's grandeur took Ethan by surprise. It was a stark contrast to his own modest apartment, reflecting the wealth Peter Jiang had accumulated over the years. Inside, Peter Jiang led him to a room adorned with traditional decorations, setting the stage for the ceremony.

The atmosphere was somber yet ceremonial. Peter Jiang introduced Ethan to a renowned Taoist priest who would perform the ritual. The priest, an elderly man with a serene demeanor, explained the process with practiced calm.

"The ceremony will involve symbolic acts," the priest said. "We will use paper representations and perform rites to honor the spirit of Pei Xiaoxiao. This will help her transition to the afterlife."

Ethan listened attentively, though the concept still seemed foreign to him. The ritual was explained in detail, involving offerings and symbolic gestures designed to fulfill the ghost's wishes and bring closure.

As the ceremony commenced, Ethan found himself participating in a series of rituals. He offered incense, made symbolic gestures of marriage, and even signed a ceremonial document, all while the priest chanted prayers and performed rites.

Throughout the process, Ethan felt a mix of apprehension and resignation. The grandeur of the villa and the solemnity of the ceremony gave it a certain gravity, making the experience oddly real despite its surreal nature.

When the ritual concluded, Peter Jiang expressed his gratitude. "Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. This will allow my daughter's spirit to find peace."

Ethan, exhausted but relieved, nodded. "I hope this resolves everything. I appreciate the financial support and the chance to move past this."

As he left the villa, Ethan felt an unexpected sense of closure. The haunting presence that had loomed over him seemed to dissipate, and the weight of the past few days lifted. With a newfound sense of hope, he headed back to his apartment, ready to embrace a fresh start and leave the ghostly ordeal behind.